Real Madrid's Elite Five: Ranking the Club's Most Dominant Stars of 2025
Real Madrid has little to celebrate from 2025 beyond a few standout individual displays that brightened an otherwise disappointing campaign.
The Spanish powerhouse will be eager to leave behind a frustrating year and begin anew in 2026. Los Blancos managed to avoid winning any trophies throughout the past 12 months, and concluded the opening half of Xabi Alonso's inaugural season with merely six victories from their final 11 fixtures.
The underwhelming outcomes and multiple defensive injury problems characterized the dismal period for Real Madrid. However, certain superstars still met the standards expected of wearing the club's jersey, doing everything possible to restore the team to its previous glory.
As this year draws to an end, let's review the five top performers who wore the white jersey in 2025.
5. Aurélien Tchouaméni
Aurélien Tchouaméni faced jeers from the Bernabéu crowd in January, but rather than responding negatively to supporters, the French midfielder focused on his game and rediscovered his top form, converting the boos into applause.
Whether deployed as a makeshift center-back or functioning as protection for Real Madrid's defense, Tchouaméni demonstrated his prowess in the air, intelligent positioning, and precise tackling. Additionally, his capacity to neutralize opposition counter-attacks before they develop places him above his fellow squad members.
While Tchouaméni may not receive the same acclaim as Vitinha or Moisés Caicedo, he executes his duties at Real Madrid almost flawlessly. Nevertheless, the French player has not yet unlocked his full midfield potential due to frequently being deployed as an extra center-back.
4. Federico Valverde
Few players in Spain, much less at Real Madrid, match Federico Valverde's adaptability. The Uruguayan has operated across the past year in central midfield, right-back, and even right wing positions, excelling in each role.
Certainly, Valverde favors central midfield, something he expressed clearly during this season. However, when his team requires different contributions from their captain, he steps up without question.
The Spanish club would not be competing for trophies without Valverde's unselfish approach. The 27-year-old's dedication to the club, combined with his exceptional endurance and tactical awareness, establishes him as one of Real Madrid's most precious resources.
3. Thibaut Courtois
Goalkeepers are typically judged by their shutouts, placing Thibaut Courtois at a disadvantage when compared to players like Alisson and Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2025. Real Madrid's defensive injury problems exposed the Belgian to constant pressure, even against weaker La Liga attacks.
However, Courtois stepped up in every appearance, doing everything possible to keep his side competitive in crucial matches. The finest demonstration of the 33-year-old's brilliance occurred during Los Blancos' 1–0 loss to Liverpool, where he produced eight saves in an outstanding display at Anfield.
Beyond his goalkeeping duties, Courtois also provided leadership and responsibility that the squad needed during their recent difficulties.
2. Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham may not have matched the standards of his first season in white, but he still performed exceptionally well in 2025. The England midfielder was the sole Real Madrid representative in this year's Best FIFA Men's 11 for good reason.
Despite being forced to play as a makeshift fullback during the year's first half, Bellingham distinguished himself from teammates through his relentless effort and intense winning mentality. Even when out of position and wearing a shoulder support, the midfielder contributed 16 goals and assists before the 2025–26 season began.
Bellingham added nine more contributions after recovering from injury, including two in an impressive showing against Barcelona. The 22-year-old's creativity, passing ability, and work rate are unmatched within the squad.
1. Kylian Mbappé
Could there be any question? Kylian Mbappé's 2025 displays surpass every other player in white by a considerable distance. The French striker scored 59 goals for Real Madrid, matching Cristiano Ronaldo's club record for most goals in a calendar year.
Even during Los Blancos' poorest performances, Mbappé continued to find the net consistently. The 27-year-old completed a record-setting debut season that concluded with a Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Boot, and he now aims to capture both awards once more.
Various coaches, different tournaments, changing teammates around him—nothing prevented Mbappé from establishing himself as the new icon of football's most prestigious club.